Music industry executives, Mamie Coleman and Towalame Austin are not only running boardrooms, but they are literally running the world. In August, they ran their seventh World Marathon Major, the TCS Sydney Marathon, in Australia, putting them in an elite club of very few who have earned this prestigious title. Together they have led on the track with heart, passion, and gut making an impact not only on themselves, but the people around them.
“We run not just for the finish line, but for healing, for discovery, and for every woman who’s ever been told she couldn’t,” says Coleman.
“With every mile, we reclaim joy, explore the world, and remind ourselves that strength is found in movement and that sisterhood is the wind at our backs,” chimes in Austin.
When Coleman, a senior TV and film music executive at FOX, started running at the age of 12, she never thought it would take her on a journey of healing and giving back in ways that have been much bigger than herself. After her mom and sister were diagnosed with breast cancer back-to-back, Coleman began using running as the driving force behind her mission to use movement as a platform for healing, awareness, and impact.
“Every mile I run is a promise to show up fearless, to give with purpose and to turn every challenge into powers,” says Coleman.
Similarly, Austin, the executive vice president of global and social impact at Sony Music Group, began using running as her therapy after battling a severe case of depression. Curiosity initially led her to the sport through a Nike focus group, but that curiosity quickly became something far deeper for Austin. It offered her a space where she could be both vulnerable and powerful. Her discipline and commitment to running is rooted in her passion for community.
“Running is my sanctuary. It’s my celebration,” says Austin.
Mamie Coleman and Towalame Austin have run as partners, colleagues, and friends in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo, and now, Sydney. They have proven that women can truly do it all, whether in the boardroom or on the track.
